The Basics
What is Tattooing?
A tattoo is a permanent kind of body art.
Brand names for Tattooing
Na
How Tattooing is classified
Body Modification, Non-Therapeutic
Tattooing During Pregnancy
Tattooing pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Tattooing while pregnant
N/A
Taking Tattooing While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Tattooing?
No data are available on the safety of tattooing during breastfeeding. Theoretical concerns relate to transmission of pigments or infections to the infant during breastfeeding and in the United States, blood donation is not permitted for 12 months after a tattoo as a precaution. Opinion appears to favor not obtaining a new tattoo during breastfeeding.[1][2][3] Tattooing of the nipple-areola area is sometimes used as part of nipple reconstruction in plastic surgery.[2][4]
Maternal / infant drug levels
No data are available on the safety of tattooing during breastfeeding. Theoretical concerns relate to transmission of pigments or infections to the infant during breastfeeding and in the United States, blood donation is not permitted for 12 months after a tattoo as a precaution. Opinion appears to favor not obtaining a new tattoo during breastfeeding.[1][2][3] Tattooing of the nipple-areola area is sometimes used as part of nipple reconstruction in plastic surgery.[2][4]
Possible effects of Tattooing on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Tattooing
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Roche-Paull R. Body modifications and breastfeeding: What you need to know. J Hum Lact. 2015;31:552-3. PMID: 26185213
2. Kluger N, De Cuyper C. A practical guide about tattooing in patients with chronic skin disorders and other medical conditions. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19:167-80. PMID: 28993993
3. Farley CL, Van Hoover C, Rademeyer CA. Women and tattoos: Fashion, meaning, and implications for health. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2019;64:154-69. PMID: 30806488
4. Boccola MA, Savage J, Rozen WM et al. Surgical correction and reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex: current review of techniques. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2010;26:589-600. PMID: 20721849
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
